Distributer for linotype-machines.



8. 0 .9 l uw E N. U .J E .T m N N E I T H A C P A M E MN RT. E0 GN 0T.. RL .R R0 .J.U... R E T B T1 R `T S I D APPLIO'APION -FILED 13140.12. 1907.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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No. 890,303. A PATENTEDJUNE 9,' 1908. Y J'. R. ROGERS. DISTRIBUTER POR LINOTYPE MAGHINES.

PATENTED JUNE 9, 1908.4 J. R. ROGERS. DISTRIBUTBR PoR LINOTYPE MACHINES.

T I' APPLIUA ION ILED DEG 12 1907 10 SHEETS SHEBT 4;

PATENTED JUNE S9, 1908.

J. R. ROGERS. vDISTRIRUTRRR PoR LINOTYPR MACHINES.

APPLIOATION FILED DBO. 12. 1907.

' 10 SHEETS-SHEET fi.

NTO/e W'ITNESSES:

W o E-Y. y

No. 990,999. PATENTED JUNE 9, 1999.

J. R. ROGERS.

DSTRIBUTER FOR LINO'IYPE MAGHINS. APPLIGATION FILED DB0. 12. 1907.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

I nl.

' No.'890,308. K PATENTED'JUNE 9,1908.

J. R. ROGBRS. v

DISTR'IBUATER FOR LINOTYP-E MACHINES. ArrLIoATIox Hmm Dnc. 12, 1907.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

No. 890,303. PATENTED JUNE 9, 1908.

R. ROGERS. DISTRIBUTBR PoR LINOTYPE MACHINES.

APPLICATION FILED DEO. l2. 1907.

1o SHEETS-SHEET a'.

WTNESSES.- i Y i INVENTOR. 2 E ,l I ,.0 `1 l `il .N I ..5 f.

l 1 ATTORN PATENTED .TUNE 9, 1908.

y J R. ROGERS. .DISTRIBUTER PoR LINOTYPE MACHINES.

APPLIOATIUN FILED DHL-12, 1907.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 9.

TNESSES:

No'. 890,303'. PATRNTRD JUNR 9, 190s.

J. R. ROGERS.

DISTRIBUTRR RoR LINOTYPR MACHINES.

APPLIUATION FILED DE 12, 190 f' o 7 10 SHEETS-SHEET 10.

UNITED `s'inTEs PATENT oEEroE.

.TOHN RAPHAEL ROGERS, O F NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO MERGENTHALER LINOTYPE y COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEWl YORK.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J' une 9., 1908.

Appiietion mea December 12, 1907. serial No. 406,165.

To all 'whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOI-IN ERS, of the borough of Brooklyn, county of Kings, city and State of New York, have inventedv a new and useful Improvement in Distributers for Linotype-Machines, of which the 'following is a specification. 4

My invention relates to *aV lmechanism A whereby a line, com osed of matrices from diiierent fonts, may e distributed or disintegrated andthe individual matrices of the respective fonts delivered to corresponding distributing mechanisms by which they arel delivered to their a propriate magazines.

The essence .of the invention resides in means for se arating the matrices according to font and elivering them to dilferent distributers, all of each font being delivered to the same distributer.l

At the present day there are known in the art linotype machines in which three, four or more magazines, containing matrices for diiferent styles or sizes of type, are arranged to deliver these matrices to an assembling mechanism, by which they are assembled or composed in a common line for presentation to a a ilat plate having in one vertical edge thcIetter or matrix proper, and also having in the upper end a'V- shaped notch with a series of distributing teeth therein, there being a spe-y cial combination of teeth for each character, so that the matrices maybe suspended. by these teeth from the lower edgeof a distributer-bar having short longitudinal teeth permute`d or arranged in such manner that each matrix isheld insuspension whilebeing advanced along themain portionof the bar until'it arrives over the appropriate channel in the magazine, when its,teethf-all"disengage' f from thebarso-that it ma fall.; therefrom. .50

Preparing thematrices y or use in my jdis- "y tributing mechanism, I provide the matrices' of dilerent'fonts, except one, with notches in i the lower end, lall matrices .of one font being l ,notched alike,but the matrices of different fonts having notches'ot different* sizes or in RAPHAEL Roc.-v

different locations. In other words, there is L special arrangement of notches for each ont. y The distribution of the composed line according to-font is effected by advancing the line endwise and delivering the matrices therefrom successively into engagement with one end of an overlying toothed distributer-bar, known as the 'preliminary distributer, with which their teeth are engaged by advancing them horizontally. The teeth of this bar are cut away in such manner that the matrices at the receiving' end are repeatedly disengaged sothatV they will fall therefrom if not otherwise supported. Beneath the path of the advancing matrices, and beneath the untoothed portions of the bar, I locate stationary supporting bridges or selectors over .which the 4matrices ,travel in their advance. The res ective bridges are provided with upright ri s -or wards corres ending in form and location to the notches in the matrices of different fonts, and between the successive -bridges there are vertical passages or dropchannelsl through which released matrices maycfall to carrying devices below.

VA's each matrix is advanced alongv the preliminaryfdistributer, it is iir'st engaged thereby andsuspended by its teeth. After advancing to 4a certain oint, its teeth'are all disengaged from the ar, but at such time,

it has arrived over one of the underlyingI bridges. If the ribs of this bridge or selector fail to correspond with the notches of the matrix, they will sustain the latter during its continued advance so that its u per teeth will again engage the distributerar, by which the matrix will be.again supported during its advance-until it arrives over the second bridge, and so on repeatedly, the matrix being supported alternately at the upper .and lower ends, that is to say, by the distributer-bar above and the bridges below.

' Whenever an advancing ,matrix is notched to corres ond-Witli-tlie'brid e to -which'it is advance fthe latter willfa' yto support the matrix and it will descend astride of the ribs farenough to.l prevent rengag'emen't v,at the 'upper end with, the distributerbar, and con-A sequently itwill, asisoon" asit is lcarried be# yqnd the bridge, allthrough an openin or `drop-channel tothe carrying 'devices be ow.

vIn eachaofthe openings into whichthe mat-A rices are thus permitted to'fall, I mount a horizontal carrier '-slide mechanically ac 110 v spective view showing the form and relation' v fonts and the corresponding bridges. Fig. 4l an end view'ofthe mechanism looking `direction in which ythe matrices travel.

' thecoperating lift for tuated` so as tolcarrythe fallen matrix yto Athe right or left to a definiteposition directly over a lifting slide, by which the matrix is c'a'r'ried'upward to an ordinary distributing mechanism of the Mergenthaler type, conrices alongthe same, asin U. S. Patent No.

,347,629. There are usually three or four magazines in a machine, and one of these distributers for each 4magazine.l All. of the;

matrices pueach :font are delivered to the g 'distributen' 'which inV turn dethe `on e magazine. e 1

the accom anying Ydrawings I vhave illustrated only tIhose parts of the machine which are directly associated with my invention; and it4 be understoodA by those skilledin' the vart thatthe vremainder ofy the .machine may ibe of any ordinary or approved construction.

I In the draWnga'QFigure 1 is a `front elevation'of` the upperpart of a` machine'provided. with myy distributing mechanism.-

Fig. 2'is avertical cross-section on' the line` 2 2 .of Figs. 1, 6," 7,'r 8 an'd`9l Fig-3 is a diagram'showingin' ers ective the 'several distributer-bars, `the ges, and thecourse pursued by the matrices. Figs. 3a, 31?,.3c and 3d are viewsA showing the diHerent arrangement of the matrix notches for different against theleft end of the apparatusinFthe 1g- 5 is a vertical cross-'section on the line V5 5 of Figs. 1,-6, 7, 8 and 9. Fig. 'isa lon itu'- l dinal vertical section on the llne 6-6 of igs.

2,- 4, 5,18, 9 and 1v1. Fig. 7 is a front eleva- `tion of the receiving ,end of the distributer with portions broken away'on theline 7-7 of Figss4, 5,8' and 9. Fig. 7 a isan outline elevation illustrating 4the manner in which the-matrices are lifted-from the horizontal 'carriers between the'lower feed-screws to the distributer-bar. Fig. 8 is a horizontal section 'on the line 8.--8I of Figs. 4, 5,6 and 7.v Fig.l 9 is a top plan view of the receiving-endl of th distributer with portions broken away on the line 9-9 of F' a4', 5, 6, --7 and 11,. Fig. 10 is'4 a horizonta section on the line 10-10 of Figs. 2,4,- 5, 6 and'7'. Fig.11 is a transverse verticalsection on the line 1 1,-11

of' Figs.l8 and 9; -Fi f. 12 is a view showing -ln erspectivel the distributer-bars, screws, bri ges and other Ileading parts of the *dish tributerseparated in order toexpose .their forms. Fig.` `135is aperspective view of one of the operating levers. Fig. 14 is a perone of the'l horizontal matrix-carriers and to the-secondary distri uter above. Y Y

lpresenting the matrixI signed to yreceive the'matrices of one font' and deliver them through the throats C, C',

&c., to the corresponding inclined magazines D, D, D2, etc. These distributer-'ba'rs are of the' character used in commercial MergenthalerLinoty e machines, and are represented in U. S. liletters Patent N o. 347,629. E, E, '&c., are lthe horizontal feed-screws mounted parallel' with the distributer-bars iny position to engage the edges Iofthe Inatrices at their upper and lower ends for the purpose of movingthem valong the bars'in av manner well understood,V the larrangement being such 'that whenever a' matrix. is Vre leased by the teethat its upper end, it can fall from the bar into the throat below withoutinterference from the screws., So far as described, the foregoing parts may all bejof ordinary construction and arrangement. f 4

.Referring now to my improvement,the

rst'requirement is that the matrices in theV composed line shall be separated and delivered according to font' tothe respective' v.distributer-bars. With this end in view,`I

extend one of the distributerfbars B endwise beyond the others atits receiving end, as 'shownin Fig. 3 and provide means for delivering all the matrices thereto. :The extended end of the bar is provided atv different point's in its length with teeth l), b', &c.,\sep arated'by blank or untoothed portions b5, so that as a matrix is advanced alongthe bar, it'willl be engaged and suspended b the successive groups of teeth but release from the bar durmg ltstravelv across the intervening spaces b5.'

The matrices G belonging to the res ective fonts, are provided in their lower en s'with the special notchesV g arranged for three of the fonts in the positions. shown in Fi s'. 3a, 3*,i and 3C.

tors HH. and H?. Each of these bridges is` located below4 one of the blank spacesjci'j on I the distributer'- bar,y and the respective bridges areprovidedwith the upright, ribs or wards h corresponding in form and, arrangement tothe notches Iin the matrices ybelonging to .the respective..'.onta` Tf fellows,

therefore, that each matrix'advancing over the bridges, .will rideupon and be sustained bythose bridges which do not have spending arrangement ofV ribs or wards, and t` at the teeth in the upper end of thematrix `will be com elled to engage the teeth of thedistributerar', so that a' matrix leaving one' ree stationary bridges or selec# e `The matrices of the fourt fontare i :without notches, as shown in Fig. 3d.

i* and mode of operation are shown in Fig.- 14,l

vbridge will be suspended by the distributerbar until it has advanced over the next bridge, and so on repeatedly. Until a ma# trix arrives over the corres onding bridge, it will be sustained first by tiie bridge beneath it, then by the teeth of the bar, then by the second bridge, and so on repeatedly. In-

other words, the bridges sustain the matrices while they are passing along the untoothed portions of the bar, andthe teeth ofthe bar sustain them while they are passing over the oplening between one ybridge and the next.

'I us it- .is that each matrix is continuously sup orted at the top and bottom alternately .unti it. arrives at the corresponding bridge.

Such bridge will permit the matrix to fall astride of its ribs or wards so that the teeth rated according to font and ermitted to fall,

it, is necessary that they s all be delivered one at a time to the corresponding distribu-l ter-bars B, B', &c. This result is secured by employing slides which-carry the matrices horizontally to positions beneath the a pre-v priate bars, and further, by the use o vertical slides which thereafter lift the matrices to the bars.Y There is one pair of these slides for each of three distributers. Their form in which I represents a horizontall moving slide, vhaving at one end a vertica opening adapted to receive a matrix falling y,from the. lbridge above, and J is a verticallymovable slide over which the matrix is presented by the slide I, and by whichthe matrix thus presented is lifted between the` feed-screws above, in the manner shown in Fig.` 7a, to

' such height thatthey may be carried horizontally and directly into engagement with the teeth of the distributer-bar, as shown in Fig. 4, and on the extreme left in Fig. 5.

The cam which elevates the slide J, hereinafter described, is of suchV form that the slide ,remains at rest in its uppermost position for bridges, the'slots `Tor guides Ifor the a brief interval, sufficient 'to-permit the advance of the matrix therefrom into engage# ment with the distributer-bar, this moveL ment being effected by the adjacent feed- .screws, which engage the ears ofthe matrices.

All of the slides aremounted in guideways in a-stationary casting or support K,.shown in detail iny Fig. -12 which also suplports the slides being lshown at' Ze, 7c. The ve tical slitlles are also guided in thescas'ting It wil b'e understood that there is one ofthe orizo'ntal` tributer-bar, and that the horizontal slides move dierent distances so as to present their. matrices over `the -respective vertical slides. Y

Motion may be communicated to the slides arrangement shown in Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7, &c., in

which L represents a constantly d rivenhorl zontal shaft carrying on one end several pairs of cams M and N, which in turn act upon levers O and P; the former connected by a linko to the horizontal carrier-slides, and the latter connected by links p to the lifting slides J. Springs Q and -R are connected bythe respective levers with the frame, and tend to move the horizontalV slides forwardand the lifting slides upward. The cams effect the reverse movements of the slides'inl opposition to the springs, and control their forward movements.

-The cams are so formed and timed, that each matrix falling from a bridge, is instantly carried edgewise horizontally by a carrier .slide I, ,and then instantly liftedby a slide'J between the distributing-screws above, byV

which the matrices are carried forward into engagement with the distributer-bar. As'

soon as this engagement occurs, the lifting slide descends. Y

As matrices for the same magazine will frequently fall in rapid succession, it is desirable that the horizontal carrier I shall return instantl to its receiving position after a matrix 1s lifted therefrom, and this without awaiting the descent of the lifting slide J L Tothis e'nd, the lifting slide is cut away'on one side in the manner shown in Fig. 14, and the end of the horizontal carrier made of such form and size that it may retreat horizontally through this cut-away portionof the lifting slide while the latter is in its elevated position, indicated by dotted lines,

In order to assistin guiding the matrices as they' are lifted to the distributer-bars, and

to assist in sustainingthem as they move forward in engagement with the-bar, I. provide stationary blocks S, S, &c., fixed in position beneath the receiving ends of thedistributing-screws. These blocks are separated by a sufficient distance4 to permit the upward passage of the matrices between them, and they are provided in their hori zontal edgeswithnotchess, through which the edges of the matrices pass.

It will be understood -that the horizontal matrix-carriers I.I and the lifts J move independently, andthat they act on the matrices only v when the latter are dropped between thev bridges. It may happen that a carrierslide will move to and fro a'nuinber of times vbefore-receiving a'matrix, and 1t may happen that two or more slides carrying matrices of diiferentfonts ,will be in action concurrently,

as one 1n no way interferes'vwith another. 65 vertical slides underthe end. of each dise e' -All of the distributer-bars may be ofordi- 70 1n any suitable manner, but I recommend the v l nary construction, except the receiving-bar,

ordinary distributive portion of the bar.

The composed line of matrices lmay be supported and delivered to the distributer-bar and its feed-screws by any suitable means, but I" prefer to employ, as shown in the drawings, an ordinary distributerbox T, such was' used in the commercial linotype machines,

ada ted to sustain the matrix lme when intro vuced endWise, together with a horizontal pusher-slide U, by which the matrix line is urged forward so as' to resent the foremost matrix over the vertica ly reciprocating lifting-finger V actuated -by the levert. AThis finger serves to lift the matrices successively to such Vheight that their upper' ends areseated between the carrier screws andastride.

' of the distributer-bar on a` proper level to advance into engagement with the teeth.

General Operetten-The general operation of the mechanism is as follows: The composed line, comprising matrices G from one, two or more of the magazines, is introduced into the distributer-box T and urged forward 'by the pressure-slide U until theforward, ma-

trix stands above the finger V. The Enger acts to lift the forward matrix until its upper end is astride of the distributer and between the feed-screws, and its lower end at such height as to pass over the first bridge H. The screws immediately advance the matrix horizontally in 'a facewise direction and the 4finger descends to receive the next matrix. The elevated matrix, being carried'f'orward by the screws, rides over the iirst bridge. If

the notches in the lower end of the matrix fail to register with the ribs on the bridge, it will besustained by said ribs at such height that its teeth will engage the teeth b of the distributer-bar. These teeth will sustain the -matrix while it is moving forward over the gap between the first and second .bridges and will prevent it from falling into the same. In otherwords, theteeth will support the matrix until it is advanced over the Second bridge, by which it is in turn sup orted )rovided its notches fail to register tlierewitli. In this manner, the matrix will healternately supported at the upper and lower ends until finally it arrives at apoint where the notches in the lower end will register with Athe ribs on the bridge, whereupon the ribs enteringathe notches inthe matrix will per mit the latter to fall slightly belowits original level' and far enough to prevent its teeth from engaging the next series of teeth on the -same and fallen to a lower level.

'through the notches.

distributor-bar. As a result of this, the advancing matrix, supported at the lower end only, will, as soonas it reaches the further ter line. The foremost matrix, notched to correspond with bridge H2, has passed over the same without engaging the distributer bar, and has fallen to a lower level. A second matrix, without notches, is riding ontop of the ribs of bridgeHZ, and is sustained at such level that its teth will a ain engage the bar' B2, and continue along t e same. The third matrix, notched to corres ond with bridge`H, has fallen between the rid es H and H2. The fourth matrix, also notc ed to correspond with bridge H, is shown riding on the. same at the low level,'its teeth out of engagement with the distributer bar, so that it will in due time fall between the bridges H- and H2. The fifth matrix, notched to correspond with bridge H, has passed over, the The sixth and last matrix, also notched to correspond with bridge H, is shown passing over the same wlthout engagmg the distributer bar, so

that it will in due time fall between the bridges H and H. t

It will be observed that each matrix after passing over a bridge ywith corresponding ribs is permitted to fall and escape between that bridge and the next.

The matrices falling between the bridges and belonging on bars other than bar B2, are carried horizontally in an edgewise direction to the right and left to positions beneath the appropriate distributer-bars, and over the lifting-slides J, by which they are raised one at a time 4their entire length between the guides S, S', S2, and between the-carrierscrews, and momentarily sustained at their final or highest level until they are carried horizontally into engagement with the teeth of the bars, along whlch they travel in the usual manner until released and permitted to fall into the appropriate channels of the respective magazlnes.

The blocks S, S &c., are notched in their o posing edges, as shown in Fig. 12, so that tllie matrices may be*v lifted between them tance less than the width of the matrices. When the lifting slide J ceases its upward movement and comes toa rest,'its upper end, on which the lower end of the matrix stands,

is flush with the surface of the adjacentv blocks, so that the matrix may advance di rectly from the slide upon blocks and into engagement, at its upper end, with the dis.

tribu'ter-bar. i

It'will of course be understood that the distributers may be of any appropriate construction provided they are adapted to co- Their upper surfaces between the notches are separated a dis-' scones' -operate with the separating and feeding de horizonta vlees herein` described, and it will of course be`understood thatvin place of the ,feedscrews, any other meansof lmoving the matrices along the bars maybe employed. The

and o erated by anysu'itable mechanism, provi ed they retain essentially the mode of action herein .described r I I believe the present to be the iirst instance in which means 'for separating matrices and different distributing mechanism. `I also believe the present to be the first mechanism delivering them at different points according to font, having been combined with means for Ipositively carrying said-matrices to -a ving from the limits of my invention.

' Having described luy-invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. A distributer-bar of Vsecti'on provided withsuccessive groups of matrix-sustaining teeth b, b &c. ,separated byintermediate untoothed portions b5; whereby the -bar is adapted to re eatedly sustain andl release a matrix carrie along it'.

2. In combination, with matrices provided I with distributing teeth in their upper ends, a

distributer-bar of V-section having successive groups of teeth b, b', &c., and intermediate untoothed portions' b5; whereby a ,matrix carried alongthe bar will be repeatedly suspended and released thereby.y 1

3. A' distributer-bar having successive groups of teeth b, t', &c., adapted to engage and suspend the matrices, and untoothed portions between said groups,-` in combination iwith `stationary matrixlsupporting bridges of variant forms located beneath the untoothed portions 4of the bars with spaces between them whereby matrices of variant forms advanced between the bar and the bridges are supported alternately at the upper and .lower ends but permittedto fall between the diierent bridges according to form. .y

- .4. A distributer-bar having teeth l), b',

&c., and intermediate spaces, in combinar A'tion with underlying bridges H, H', &c.,

differing in form.

5. --In aw distributmg mechanism, a series of matrix-supporting bridges H, H', &c. having ribs h differently arranged on the respective 6.0

, distributer-bar vhaving v longitudinal teeth'4 `adapted to release thematrices when assing l-over the bridges; whereby matrices o ldiife'rbridges, in combination-with an overlying ent-fonts. diiferinginform as between the fonts andvertical carrier-slides may4 .also bev modified 1n form and` arrangement may be separatedv and delivered to different points.

6. In combination with a distributer-bar having discontinuous groups of teeth to suspend the matrices, underlying variant bridges to support the loweren'ds of the matrices,

and meansI for feeding the matrices singly between the distributer-bar and the bridges, substantially as shown.

7. In .a 'mechanismffor distributing matrices according to font, the distributer-bar with discontinuous groupsI of teeth, -underlying bridges of variant forms, means for advancing the matrices betweenl the, bar.-A and the bridges and permitting them'v to descend between the latter, -means for moving the fallen matrices laterall .to different points,

and means for lifting t e matrices so moved, to distributing mechanisms above.

8. In combination, a series of distributer@ bars,'mea ns`for carrying the' matrices alon said bars, means for. moving the individuav matrices right and left to positions below the distributers, and means for lifting said matrices singly to thedistributer-carriers. g.

9. In combination with a toothed distributer bar, and*` means for, moving the matrices alongvthe same, a lifting device arranged to .l

lift thek individual matrices to the proper level for the engagement of their upper ends with the distributer bar, and momentarily sustain them at such level. I

. 10. 'In combination with a toothed distributer bar, screws for moving the matrices.

level, and horizontal supports upon which the matrices rideV as they are advanced from the lifting means. 1'1. In combinationra series of distributerbars and corresponding fonts of matrices dif-l -ferentiated in form as between the different fonts, means for separating the matrices in a composed line according to font, means for movmg the matrices so separated to positions beneath the res ective distributers,

land means for iinally fting the individual matrices to the distributing mechanisms.

12. In a distributing mechanism, means -for .delivering matrices of different fonts at.

different' points, all of each font at the same lpoint, in combination withhorizontal car- 'rierstomove the matrices from said points,

H', &c., means for delivering matrices of different fonts between them, -horizontal'slides I, I, for shifting the matrices horizontally,

slides J to lift the matrices, anddistri-buting` mechanisms ,in position to receive the matr' rices so lifted. i .y p 14. In combination with independent parallel distributers, means for separating a composed line of matrices according to the distributers for which they are intended, means for delivering the separated matrices edgewise'ito positions opposite the respective distributers, and means for delivering the to different positions according to font, an independent distributing mechanism for each font, and means for delivering the matrices from saidpositions positivelyT to the respective distributers. i

16. In a distributing .mechanism vfor matrices of different fonts, means for separating the individual matrices trom the end of the' composed line and dropping them in different positions according to font, overlying distributers one for each font, and means for positively carrying the separated matrices to the respective distributers.

17. In a mechanism for distributing matrices of different fonts, incans foi supporting a composed line and advancing the same endwise, means for lifting thc matrices one at a time from the end of the line, means for advancing the sepaiated matriceshorizontally,

means for dropping the matrices of different' fonts at ldiilerent points, means for inoving the fallen matrices laterally to diileient positions according to font, means lor lifting the individual matrices froln said hints, anddistributers in position to receive the matrices so lifted.

18. In a distributing mechanism, the coinbination of a vertical and a horizontal inatriX-carrying slide, and means for actuating said slides successively.

19. In a distributing mechanism, the coinbination of a horizontally movable carrier' I,

anda vertically movable carrier J, and the cam mechanism for actuating the saine.

20. The combination oi the vertical slide J, the horizontal slide I, formed or cut away as described to permit the'retuiii of the latter while the former remains in the elevated position; whereby the elevated matrix may e given acontinuing support while. the horizontal slide is being returned to receive'a second matrix.

21. In combination with means -for sus--4 taining a matrix, a horizontal slide I, a vertical slide J, and levers, springs and canisfor actuating said slides, substantially as described.

22. 4In a distributing mechanism for matrices of diilerent fonts, the combination of;

means for advancing the matrices facewise and arresting them at different points according to font, means for positively carrying the matrices from said points in diierent 15. In a distributing inechansim, the com.

'acting paths, and distributing mechanisms iny position to receive the matrices so carried.

23. In a distributinomechanism, the combination of parallel distributer-bars terminated at one end indifferent vertical planes,

and one of said bars provided with a series of font-distinguishingteeth, `means for delivering the matrices regardless of font to said bar, and means for carrying the matrices released froin said bar at diliierent points to the other distributor-bars; v

24. In a distributing mechanism, a toothed distributer bar, adj acentscrews to move lthe bination of a toothed' distributer bar, means for moving the matrices along the bar, means ,beneath the lower ends of'the individua matrices to lift them to the distributing level, and momentarilysustain them at such level, and means for guiding the matrices during their vertical-movement.

27. A toothed distributer-bar and means for feeding the matrices individually along said bar, in combination with means for positively lilting the individual matrices to the required level to'engage the bar and in oinentarily maintain the-ni at. such elevation, and

horizontal supporting surfaces ada ted .to receive and sustain the lower ends of t ie mat-` rices as they are advanced from the elevating'.

2S. In coinbinationwith means for delivering matrices thereto, independent horizontal carriers adapted to inove'the matrices to different point-s, aii'd means for thereafter .moving the matrices to different-distributers 29. Ina distributing mechanism, the coin- 'iio bination of a distributer-bar, lmeans for feedying the matrices along said bar, a device-for l lifting the matricesindividually to the carrying means'and to the distributing level., and operating vmeans whereby the lifting device is caused to rise and to remain momentarily at rest in its hivhest position.

30. The combination of' a series of alternately placed selectors andreceiving chan nels, means Jfor advancing matrices across the selectors, stationary means for normally preventing tlie matrices passing into the receiving channels, said matrices when corresponding to the selectors being adapted to move into "a position to clearv said preventin means whereby they may pass into sai channels. i

31. The combination with a series of nicked matrices, of a series of channels havin@ open mouths side by side, a series of selgectors laced between such mouths and having seective wards, means for advancing matrices across such wards and mouths, stationary means.y adapted to normally prevent the matrices entering the mouths,sa1d matrices when" corresponding to a selector moving to a position to clear such preventing means; whereby the advancement of the selected matrix a lows it to pass into said mouths.

32. The combination of a series of channels having mouths o ening upward, a series of selectors placed between such mouths and having selective wards extending upward, means for ladvanoing matrices across such wards and mouths, stationary means adapted to normally support the matrices over the mouths, said matrices when corresponding to a selector dropping to a position to clear such su porting means; whereby the advancement o the selected matrix allows it to drop into said mouth.

33. The combination with a series of nicked lmatrices, of a series of channels having `open mouths side by side, a series of selectors placed between such mouths and having selective wards, means for advancinfr matrices across such wards and mouths, an stationary means for normally preventing the matrices entering the mouths and adapted to permit the matrices to be moved to a position to clear them. 1

34. The combination of continuously moving carriers, and selectors and channels,

mouths across which the matrices in the carriers pass, means for obstructing the mouths of the channels to prevent the matrices passing into improper channels, said selectors allowing the matrices when in -registration to move to a positionwhere they may clea said obstructions.

35. In a device for sorting matrices for a linotype machine, the combination of a support a ertured to lform a drop channel, means or conveying matrices along the su port, means for suspending matrices whl e passingover-the dro -ch'annel, and means on the support for gui mg diHerent matrices in different paths when approaching the channe s.

36. In a device for sorting matrices for a 4linotype machine, the combination of a support a ertured at intervals to form dropchanne s, means for conveying matrices .along the support, means for suspending matrices while passing over the drop channels, and means on the su port for guiding the dierent matrices in iferent aths in advance of some of the channels so t at some of the matrices are brought into engagement with the suspending means while others are allowed to enter the .drop-channels.

37. In a device for sorting matrices for a linotypemachine, the combination of means for feeding matrices, a support apertured at intervals to form drop-channels, meansfor conveying matrices along the support, means for suspending ,matrices while passing over the drop-channels, and means on lthe support in advance ofeach aperture for guiding certain of the matrices' into engagement with the suspending means, and othermeans for so guiding otherof the matrices that they enter the next drop-channel."V t A 3S. Ina device for sorting matrices for a linotype machine, the combination of means for feeding matrices, va support apertured at intervals to form drop-channels, means-for conveyingmatrices along the support7 means for suspending matrices while passing over the drop-channels, wards on the. support for guiding certain matrices in a different ath from others in advance of some of the c annels, so that some of the matrices are brought into engagement with the suspending means, while others are allowed to enter the drop channels. Y

39. In a device for sorting matrices for a linotype machine, the combination of means for feeding a line of matrices, means for separating one matrix at a time from the line, means for conveying the separated matrix, a support on which the conveyed matrices may travel having apertures to forni drop'- channels, means for suspending -traveling matrices while passing over .drop-channels but releasing them between drop-channels, means for removing theI traveling matrices from the path-of the suspending means when released, sofas' to permit them to fall into the succeeding drop-channel.v f

ya0. In a device for "sorting matrices for a linotype machine, the combination of means for feeding a line of matrices, means for separating one matrix at a time from the line, means for conveying the separated matrix, a support on which the conveyed matrices may travel having apertures to form dropchannels, means for suspending traveling matrices while passing over drop-channels` but releasing them between drop-channels, combination wards co erating with nicks in the matrices by .whic the matrices may be guided into or out of engagement with the succeeding suspensory device when released.

41. In a device for sorting matrices for a linotype machine, the combination of a support a ertured at intervals to form drop-v channe s, means for conveying matrices along the support, means for sus ending matrices While passing over some of t e dropchannels, means for guiding diiferent matrices in differentpaths between the channels, and means for feeding the matrices oneat a time to the conveying means.

42. In a device for'sorting matrices for a linotype machine, means for feeding matrices, a combination bar divided into sections forming drop-channels', vmeans for conveying matrices along the combination bar, a supporting bar'over the combination bar, longitudinally extending teeth on the supporting bar cut away at 'intervals over-the sections of the combination bar and adapted to engage Ina-trices and support them` while passing the drop-channels, wards on vsome of the sections-adapted to guide some matrices into 'engagement With'thesu porting teeth, and to reglster with nicks in ot er matrices to the end that the latter avoid the support and enter the drop-channel next following the section of the combination bar with the Wards of which their nicks register.

43. In a device for sorting matrices for lmotype machine, the combination of means 1 for feeding matrices, a combination bar having wards, means for conveying matrices JOHN RAPHAEL ROGERS.' WVitnesses:

DAVID S. KENNEDY, ROBERT G. CLARK. 

